Are you thinking about Moving to Kelowna, BC?

If you've landed on this page, you might be considering moving to Kelowna. Well, you're not alone. As the word gets out about the incredible lifestyle, great weather, and affordable real estate prices, more and more people are moving here.

Whether it's the beautiful four-season playground that locals enjoy year-round or the incredible quality of life that is offered for all ages, the gorgeous sun-soaked summers or the top-quality healthcare and hospitals, this growing city balances the benefits of British Columbia's sixth-largest metro area with the peaceful nature of lakeside living. Here are 20 reasons Kelowna is the best place to call home – in Canada and beyond.

Here are 20 Reasons why you should move to Kelowna, BC

1. Incredible Real Estate Prices

Real estate prices have been rising across British Columbia, making it challenging for families to purchase homes and settle down – except in Kelowna. At the same time, the average home price in Vancouver is over one million and comes in at a lofty $1,898,332. At the same time, the average single-family home in Kelowna rings 45% lower at $1,045,000. For those of you thinking about downsizing or putting some of your equity in the bank, Kelowna may be a great option for you to call home. You can view the newest Kelowna Homes For Sale and see how much your budget will get you.

2. The Beauty

Kelowna's beauty is renowned, boasting a stunning natural landscape for work and play. Located on the shore of a gorgeous lake and surrounded by rolling hills and mountain peaks, Kelowna residents can enjoy a blend of urban and rural scenery. From wineries and orchards to beaches perfect for sunbathing in the summer, the Okanagan Valley offers breathtaking views in every direction.

3. The Weather

Unlike the snowier regions up north and the cooler, rainier areas near the coast, Kelowna enjoys a humid climate and four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and dry, with average temperatures around 27 degrees, while winters are cool and crisp, with highs ranging from 1 to 6 degrees. From hiking, biking, and suntanning in the summer to skiing in the winter, Kelowna's unique weather patterns offer something for everyone. It should come as no surprise after reading this, but one major reason people move to Kelowna is the incredible year-round weather.

4. The Wine and Wineries

Kelowna is a wine-drinkers paradise with 40 wineries within 20 minutes of the city center, offering a perfect place to sit back, sip, and enjoy. Visitors can drink award-winning bottles of wine and sample local eats at their leisure or spend a few days exploring the guided tours of area wineries. West Kelowna is home to the Westside Wine Trail, featuring some of the Okanagan's oldest and most well-established wineries, including Quails Gate, Mission Hill, and one of the local's favourites, The Hatch winery.

5. Okanagan Lake

As one of the most beautiful waterways in Canada, there's a lot to love about Okanagan Lake. This beloved destination is 135 kilometres long and five kilometres wide and plays a vital role in local Kelowna summer fun. With water temperatures in the summer averaging around 19 to 23 degrees, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, wake boating, sailing, charter boating, flyboarding, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, or even snorkelling.

6. Kelowna General Hospital (KGH)

Kelowna is home to the nationally renowned Kelowna General Hospital, one of the largest medical centers in Canada and an affiliate of the UBC Faculty of Medicine. As the only hospital outside Vancouver and the Lower Mainland that offers angioplasty and cardiac surgery, residents and visitors are always in good hands.

7. Gorgeous Parks

The parks throughout Kelowna offer so much variety and are ideal for outdoor recreational enthusiasts. Enjoy amenities such as walking paths, dog parks, sports facilities, skateboard parks, community gardens, swimming areas, and more from Knox Mountain Park to City Park. Have a wonderful family picnic on the lawn. Kelowna's pristine parks provide a beautiful destination for athletics and leisure alike.

8. Stunning Beaches

Kelowna's climate is perfect for sunbathing and swimming, providing six to eight months of sun and fun each year. (Did you just read that? It may be time to throw your umbrella away.) Greater Kelowna has over 30 beaches, including playgrounds, picnic areas, and beautiful white sand. On summer nights, the beaches come alive with live music, festivals, and entertainment, with parties and festivities lasting late into the evening. One of our family's favourites is Music in the Park.

9. Lush Golf Courses (FOUR!)

With over 2,000 hours of sunshine every year, it's no wonder why golfing in Kelowna is so desirable. With 15 courses to choose from, golf courses match any skill level, from the novice to the PGA tour professional. Kelowna's beautiful courses will keep even avid golfers engaged. From the rolling hills of Tower Ranch Golf Club to the vineyard views at Harvest Golf Club, there's always time for nine holes – or more! If you're looking to live, eat and sleep on a golf course, there are plenty of golf course communities to choose from in Kelowna. Gallagher's Canyon is one of the most sought-after places to call home and is found in the neighbourhood of South East Kelowna.

10. Mountain Biking and Cycling

As an eco-friendly community, biking is a great way to get around in Kelowna. For those who want a more significant challenge, however, the hilly terrain can provide a high-intensity experience, forcing you to put your skills to the test. From cycling on the nearly 300 kilometres of bicycle lanes around town to the mountain courses in the surrounding hills, Kelowna is an excellent place for a ride. If you are more of an adrenaline junkie, you can do extreme downhill mountain biking at Big White Ski Resort during the summer.

11. The Kelowna Rockets

Hockey is a beloved pastime across Canada, and the Kelowna Rockets give local fans plenty of reasons to cheer. A prominent junior ice hockey team in the Western Hockey League, Rockets matches are held at Prospera Place and are always packed with fans of all ages, wearing jerseys and rooting for the home team. As the 2016 BC Hockey League and RBC Cup Champions, games are always fast-paced and tons of fun.

12. Myra Canyon Trestles

Located just 20 km from downtown Kelowna, follow the scenic trip through farms, orchards, vineyards, and golf courses as you wind through South East Kelowna. Myra Canyon features 18 trestle bridges and offers some of the most incredible scenery the Okanagan has to offer. The walls of Myra Canyon Trestles make up a significant portion of the Kettle Valley Railway, providing a scenic destination for a great day trip, walking, running, or renting a bike and exploring on the go. Even guided tours are happening daily in the summer with loads of information on this historic location. Read more about Myra Canyon Trestles in our in-depth blog next!

13. Fast and Easy Travel

Those moving to Kelowna can take advantage of the fast and easy travel. Despite a seemingly secluded lakeside location, Kelowna is anything but isolated. Kelowna International Airport is just kilometres from the city itself, serving 1.6 million passengers annually with daily flights leaving to all major Canadian cities as well as the Northwestern United States. Vancouver International Airport is just 30 minutes by plane, while trips to Calgary and Edmonton in Alberta are just over an hour.

14. Boutique Shopping

World-class shopping in British Columbia is wider than the big city of Vancouver; Kelowna offers a great variety of shopping, too. From the local boutique shops in the busy downtown area along the street of Bernard Avenue (think a smaller version of Robson in Vancouver). To the quaint shopping experiences featuring wonderful specialty shops on Ellis, Pandosy, and Tutt Street. Our Orchard Park mall features over 170 shops and services ranging from Gap, Hudson's Bay, Sport Chek, Guess, and many more.

15. Big White Ski Resort

Winter is a special time in British Columbia, providing plenty of snow for outdoor activities. Big White Ski Resort can be the ideal opportunity for someone searching for a local winter wonderland, offering skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and an outdoor frozen pond always hosting a puck and stick hockey game. Locals enjoy escaping the less than one-hour commute from the hustle and bustle of the day-to-day and enjoy the laid-back resort lifestyle this incredible place has to offer. The snow gods deliver loads of the world-famous Okanagan Champagne powder, offering up over 750cm of annual snowfall. With 16 lifts and 2,765 acres of skiable terrain, it's no wonder why this resort continues to win award after award. 

Kelowna also has two other resorts – Silver Star and Apex – providing plenty of ways to hit the slopes. With homes just moments away, living and playing in Kelowna's cold weather paradise is possible.

16. Farms, Orchards, and Outdoor Farmers Markets

In Kelowna and across the Central Okanagan Valley, locally-grown agriculture drives the economy; the micro-climate in the region is ideally suited for a long growing season, providing fantastic weather for homegrown fruits and veggies. From Arlo's Honey Farm to U-Pick Orchards, the area farms, orchards, and markets give you access to almost everything. From mouth-watering peaches to the most succulent cherries and the freshest apples, there is something delicious for anyone in any season. The popular attraction for locals is the Kelowna Farmers and Crafters Market, which runs from April to October.

17. Educational Options

Education is a top priority for families in Kelowna, allowing children, teens, and young adults to learn and grow. Kelowna is included in School District 23, the Central Okanagan School District, which boasts some of British Columbia's best-rated elementary, middle, and high schools. In addition, the University of British Columbia's Okanagan Campus (UBCO) is located in the northeast of Kelowna and is part of the University District - Quail Ridge neighbourhood. The Campus Offers 62 undergraduate programs and 19 graduate programs. In the Lower Mission neighbourhood on KLO is Okanagan College which offers loads of entry-level programs, including a wide range of trade school programs. There are some great investment-type properties in both these University and College locations. Learn even more about the best schools in Kelowna in our detailed blog post, where we highlight all the schools in Kelowna, including catchment area maps, contact information, and more.

18. Adult Recreation

For those seeking a life of relaxation and enjoyment, Kelowna is a welcome respite for post-retirement living. As a community open to retirees and visitors of all ages, there are plenty of family-friendly and adult-friendly spaces across the city. From gated communities to independent living and retirement homes, options are available for everyone along the shores of Okanagan Lake. If you're wondering what Okanagan Community would be the best for you, watch my entire Okanagan community tour playlist, where I break down over 40 gated and non-gated age-restricted communities in Kelowna and West Kelowna. 

19. A Sense of Community

Kelowna offers plenty of activity, action, and excitement for visitors and retirees, but it's also just a great place to live. Despite the size – as of 2019, a population of approximately 120,000 residents – Kelowna is a tight-knit community. People take care of their neighbours, participate in local events, support area businesses, and are always happy to greet you with a smile. Kelowna is a family providing a beautiful, vibrant, and welcoming place to live in British Columbia.

20. Kelowna Arts and Cultural District

Art and culture are alive in Kelowna's downtown Cultural District. Located in the center of the historical Fruit Packing Industry, local artists can display their work in this funky six-block area. In addition to a gallery and workshop space, 18 community art pieces are placed throughout the neighbourhood, demonstrating Kelowna's love for painting, ceramics, and sculpture. With so many people moving to Kelowna and wanting to be close to downtown, it has brought a massive need for more homes. Developers have taken advantage of this high demand and are building more and more new condo towers.

Are you looking for expert assistance planning your relocation to the Kelowna area? 

Reach out to Brandon and the team to schedule your super informative relocation consultation call today! Call 778-760-1347 or fill in the contact form, and someone will contact you shortly.